James Beard Foundation, AmEx, Resy partnership

The James Beard Foundation said on May 1 that it had entered a multi-year partnership with American Express and Resy, naming them the foundation’s official credit card and reservations platform and the presenting sponsor of the 2026 James Beard Awards. The agreement also extends to Taste America, the foundation’s national culinary event series, and to broader year-round programming tied to the independent restaurant industry. (jamesbeard.org) The announcement was published by the foundation and by Resy in separate statements. Clare Reichenbach, chief executive of the James Beard Foundation, said the deal paired the nonprofit with a “mission-aligned partner” as it expands its work around independent restaurants. (jamesbeard.org) Pablo Rivero, chief executive of Resy and senior vice president of American Express Global Dining, said the companies planned to use the partnership to “recognize, uplift and support” the people behind U.S. restaurants. ### When was this actually announced, and what did the foundation say? May 1, 2026 is the date on the foundation’s announcement and Resy’s matching press release, not June 3. (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard Foundation said that “today” it was announcing the partnership, and described American Express and Resy as the official credit card and reservations platform of the organization. The foundation said the partnership begins with the 2026 James Beard Awards and is structured as a long-term arrangement. Resy’s release described it as a “transformative multi-year partnership” that would support the awards and the foundation’s flagship programs and events. (jamesbeard.org) ### What exactly are American Express and Resy sponsoring? The 2026 James Beard Awards are the first named component of the deal. The foundation said American Express and Resy will support the Media, Impact, and Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremonies taking place June 13-15 in Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) Taste America is the second named pillar. The foundation said American Express and Resy will serve as presenting sponsor of the national event series, which highlights a yearly TasteTwenty cohort through tastings and dinners in cities across the country. (blog.resy.com) The foundation’s events pages now describe Taste America as “presented by American Express and Resy.” ### What else is included beyond awards season? Platform by the James Beard Foundation at Pier 57 in New York City is specifically named in the foundation’s announcement as part of the support. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation also said the companies would back broader programming and initiatives year-round, including work with the JBF Institute on talent development, training, education, advocacy and community-building. American Express cardholders are also part of the arrangement described by the companies. Rivero said the partnership would give eligible card members exclusive access to James Beard Foundation programs and create joint James Beard Foundation and Resy experiences. (jamesbeard.org) ### How does this connect to the 2026 awards already on the calendar? Chicago is the immediate next stop in the partnership. The foundation’s awards pages say the 2026 Media Awards will be held at the Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday, June 13, while the Restaurant and Chef Awards are scheduled for Monday, June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation has already folded the sponsors into its 2026 awards language. Its May 6 nominees announcement referred to the “2026 James Beard Awards presented by American Express and Resy,” showing the branding is already in use ahead of the June ceremonies. (jamesbeard.org) ### What are the companies saying the partnership is for? Independent restaurants are the stated focus in both announcements. The foundation said such restaurants are “essential pillars” of U.S. communities, the economy and culture, while Reichenbach said the relationship would create new opportunities to “amplify our work and deepen our impact.” (jamesbeard.org) Rivero said the companies would use the partnership to spotlight restaurant partners, build bespoke dining experiences and support the foundation’s impact work. The next public milestone is the June 13-15 James Beard Awards weekend in Chicago, followed by Taste America events in cities around the country. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2)